by Gareth Harris for the Financial Times

In his latest article for the Financial Times, Gareth Harris discusses the anxious environment surrounding this year’s Miami fairs. While Harris is primarily concerned with the Art Basel Miami Beach fair (ABMB, 3rd - 6th December) instead of Design Miami, he does offer an informative discussion on the status of the market going into this pivotal week.

We are what we eat. But do we really know what we eat? And therefore do we know who we are? The makers of Carnivoria pose questions, on factory farming, on environmental pollution, on food miles and on overfishing. Questions, however, with no ready made answers. One who eats food in the 21st century is guilty by definition.

26th November '09 - 7th February '10

The Serpentine GalleryKensington Gardens, London

Now open at the Serpentine Gallery is ‘Design Real’, the gallery’s first major exhibition devoted entirely to contemporary design. This ground-breaking exhibition showcases REAL industrial design products in a way that proves design does not have to mimic art to be appreciated.

25th November ’09, 2:30 pm

Sotheby’sRue du Faubourg Saint Honore, Paris

Sotheby’s attempt to take advantage of the current trend for mid-century masterpieces finished with strong, but less than thrilling results on Wednesday afternoon in Paris. Their sale of significant Art Deco works brought it a total of €3,038,750 selling 55 of the available 79 lots.

They say that one ceases to be ideal when it succeeds. But the new line of Songe by Sonia is a dream that you can enjoy the view. Because you define your aspirations and ambitions, Songe is that part of you that seeks the highest distinction in all aspects of your life, in every corner of your home. Your dreams make you different, dare to make them reality.

by Stuart Haygarth

Opening next week, on December 1st at Haunch of Venison London, is a show of new works by British artist and designer Stuart Haygarth. The pieces on display examine the artist’s ongoing relationship with abandoned objects and his fascination with taxonomy.

Royal College Of Art graduate Maciek Wojcicki designed an interesting, cutting edge stride toy.
Designed as a children vehicle which moves forward driven by the child's hips and body movements
the toy has been shortlisted for President of the Republic of Poland Design Award and also for
Selected Works programme finals of INNOVATION RCA in London this year. It can be also used as

21st November ’09, 5pm

Phillips de Pury & CompanyLondon

Phillips de Pury & Company’s innovative MUSIC themed sale brought in a total of £1,216,438 last Saturday in London. The results are far from thrilling with only 142 of the available 231 lots selling, but the design items faired well; each sold for well within or above its pre-sale estimate.

The inspiration for the “Leave your shape behind collection” comes from the beach. The sand stimulates young and old people. Aware or unaware the sand has an attraction to touch, form and play with it.

Designed by Charlotte Perriand and displayed the first exhibition of the Union des Artistes Modernes in Paris in 1930. It has remained in the family of celebrated French composer Jean Rivier ever since.

20th November - 23 December '09

19th-22nd November '09

Opening on the 19th is the inaugural Abu Dhabi Art fair. As part of the festival, up-and-coming Middle Eastern designers will showcase their work, while established European designers showcase their techiniques in the two main events dedicated to contemporary design.